Crimean mountains in the atlas. Crimean mountains. Ridges of the Crimean mountains. The most famous "mountain" places of Crimea
In the place of the mountains in the Crimea, in ancient times, the sea spread. The bottom of the Black Sea was uneven, divided by underwater ridges into deep elongated hollows, in which sands and clays accumulated. In some places, the ridges rose above sea level, forming rocky islands with a rugged coastline. In swampy areas of quiet shallow bays, together with silt and sand, tropical plants which later turned into coal.
In the eastern part of the Crimea lies Kerch Peninsula, cut by a low Parpach ridge. In the place of mountains in the Crimea, in the Middle Jurassic era, the sea was still spreading. Its bottom was uneven, divided by underwater ridges into deep elongated hollows, in which sands and clays accumulated. In places, the ridges rose above sea level, forming rocky islands with a rugged coastline. In swampy areas of quiet shallow bays, tropical plants accumulated along with silt and sand, which later turned into coal.
The continuing deflection of the bottom of the geosyncline in the Middle Jurassic epoch again led to the formation of faults, along which magma again rushed from the depths. This epoch is the time of the most intense volcanic activity in the mountainous Crimea. The remains of Middle Jurassic volcanoes have been found in many parts of the Crimea - on Kara-Dag, near the village of Limeny (Blue Bay), near Melas and Foros, near the village of Karagach (Kizilovka) near Simferopol and in other places.
On the border of the Middle and Upper Jurassic periods, the most important event in the geological history of the mountainous Crimea takes place: for a relatively short period, almost all the dry land of the mountainous Crimea becomes elevated above sea level. During this period of time, the main features of the "architecture" of the mountains in the Crimea were formed. Then the sea returns to the Crimean mountains again, but it occupies a much smaller area. It was no longer a vast geosyncline, but a narrow and long trough, in which calcareous silts accumulated, which later turned into limestone. Today they form the uppermost part of the First Ridge.
The Late Jurassic trough with some changes also existed in the Lower Cretaceous. By the middle of the Cretaceous, the third great uplift in the history of the Crimean Mountains takes place: the islands, merging with each other, form the base of the future mountain range. Volcanoes arose on some islands. The volcanic activity of the Cretaceous period was the last stage of volcanism in the Crimean mountains. And although in its further geological history there were still many turbulent events, the outpouring of lavas was no longer repeated.
In subsequent geological epochs, the uplift of the mountainous Crimea expands, its modern look. Initially a vast island gradually turns into a peninsula. The development proceeded unevenly: the earth's crust either sank, and the outskirts of the peninsula were flooded with sea, then it rose significantly in the form of a wide flat arch.
In the middle Neogene period(11 - 12 million years ago), the territory on the site of the mountainous Crimea has never been flooded by the sea again. The surface leveled by the sea was raised by tectonic processes to a height of up to 1300 m. This is the level of the flat tops of the First Ridge. The uplift of mountains in the Crimea led to a sharp increase in the destructive activity of rivers. Arrays of rocks broke off from the coastal limestone cliffs of the First Range and slid down steep slopes to the sea.
One of the last stages of the geological history of the Earth, the Quaternary, which is also called glacial, stands out in particular. At this time in the northern hemisphere, not only high mountains, but the plains adjoining them were covered with ice. Large glaciers also covered the peninsula adjacent to Crimea mountain ranges Carpathians and Caucasus. In the Crimea, neither in the foothills nor in the mountains were found direct signs of glacier activity. But some scientists believe that during the maximum glaciation on the Russian Plain, the Crimean Mountains, then already significantly elevated, were covered with powerful accumulations of snow, and perhaps even glaciers. In the middle of the Quaternary period, arctic fox, reindeer, and lynx lived here. The vegetation on the northern slope of the Crimean Mountains was represented by birch forest-steppe. And when the climate warmed up, the traces of glacial activity on the yayles were destroyed by the rapidly advancing dissolution of limestones.
Connected to the mainland by a narrow Perekop isthmus, the mountainous Crimea has the shape of a quadrangle with a wide ledge - in the east by a long ledge of the Kerch Peninsula, in the northwest by the Tarkhankut Peninsula. The area of Crimea is approximately 26 thousand square meters. km. Distance from the southern point Crimea - Cape Sarych to Perekop in the north - 195 km, in the latitudinal direction from the Kerch Peninsula to Cape Tarkhankut - 325 km. Crimea from the south and west is washed by the Black Sea, from the east by Sivash - a shallow lagoon of the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov.
The surface of Crimea is sharply divided into the northern, flat (steppe) part, which occupies three-quarters of the area of the peninsula, and the southern, mountainous, which accounts for a quarter of the entire area.
The relief of the flat part of the Crimea is rather monotonous. The picture is different in the mountainous Crimea. In the form of a gentle arc more than 160 km long, the mountains stretch along the southern coast of the peninsula. They consist of three ridges, gradually rising to the south and breaking off at the Black Sea coast with a multi-hundred-meter ledge.
The first, or Main Ridge, is the highest, stretching along the coast from Feodosia to Balaklava. Between its northern gentle and southern steep slopes there is a leveled surface of the ridges, the so-called yayls, in some places wide (up to 8 km), in others narrow, or even completely interrupted by deeply incised gorges.
The height of the eggs is different. Above all Babagun-yayla. It contains the highest peaks of the Crimean Mountains - Roman-Kosh (1545 m) and Demir-Kapu (1540 m).
The second ridge is much lower than the First (up to 600 - 750 m above sea level). It goes to the north, parallel to it, separated by a wide longitudinal valley.
The third ridge is the lowest, its height does not exceed 350 m above sea level. It is located north of the Second and is separated from it by a longitudinal valley, especially clearly expressed between Sevastopol and Simferopol.
In the eastern part of Crimea lies the Kerch Peninsula, cut by the low Parpach ridge.
Rest in the mountains of Crimea
Crimean mountains. Ridges of the Crimean mountains
Rest in the mountains of Crimea is one of the most popular types active rest on the peninsula.
The Crimean peninsula combines many varieties of landscape. That is why it is interesting for a huge number of tourists and travelers seeking to know the beauty of Crimean nature, its unique beauty created by the sea and the Crimean mountains, beaches and bays, monuments of the history of architecture
The mountains of Crimea are three mountain ranges - the Main Ridge, the Outer Ridge, and the Inner Ridge.
The main ridge stretches from Feodosia to Balaklava, its length is 110 km.
The inner ridge does not exceed 750 m in height. It is represented by elevations with limestone layers, where in ancient times ancient people built their camps, and today we observe the remains of cave cities - Chufut-Kale, Kachi-Kalyon, etc.
outer ridge- This is a plain and plateau, vineyards and plantations.
And all three ridges converge in the Sevastopol region.
We will introduce you to the most popular mountain ranges, their peaks, and exciting routes.
Mount Roman-Kosh - the highest mountain in Crimea
The maximum height of the Crimean mountains is 1545 m, and the highest peak is Mount Roman-Kosh. However, it was previously thought that the high peak Crimean mountains is the top of Demerdzhi. But many years of study, research and calculations were in favor of Mount Roman-Kosh - the highest mountain of Crimea.
This peak is not far from Gurzuf, on the Babugan Plateau. The easiest ascent to the mountain is from the village of Partizanovka. The ascent path is easy, but long - about 6 hours.
Up to 1000 m above sea level, there will be only forests and mountain slopes around. Then, glades appear, to replace them - meadows, and soon Mount Ayu-Dag will become visible in the distance. Rising even higher, a view of the Pavilion of winds on Shagankay.
Right there, along the path - a sharp rise takes the tourist to Babugan-yayla, or a plateau. An unremarkable plateau, except for a few peaks rising above the plateau.
Among them, it seems that Roman-Kosh rises on a par with the others. AND its main landmark is the cross, installed at the highest point.
Of course, this climb is absolutely not like climbing Everest =) (just kidding), and there is no feeling that you are standing on the edge of the earth, with a feeling of victory over yourself. But nevertheless, to visit here is an interesting fact from the annals of outdoor activities in Crimea.
And the stunning views from the plateau are the real reward for a long climb and fatigue.
What to take with you to the top of Roman-Kosh
- 1) ascending is always accompanied by a decrease in air temperature. You need to take warm clothes with you.
- 2) Due to the duration of the route, which is a whole day, we recommend wearing only comfortable sports shoes.
- 3) Small banknotes of money will be useful for foresters and rangers.
- 4) Eggplant with drinking water and dry rations.
- 5) you need to work out the route in advance, or take a guide with you.
Rise start early in the morning so that the descent from the mountain was not in the dark.
How to get to Roman-Kosh
It is easier to get to Roman-Kosh from the village of Partizanskoye, turn from the South Coast Highway towards the mountains, from the sea.
From the village of Partizanskoye we choose the road that will lead to barrier with the inscription "Reserve". We're going up the road.
If you start the ascent from Krasnokamenka, then at first we keep the path to an abandoned quarry, then - past a pine forest. And then - on the red marks up. Here it is better to go accompanied knowledgeable people, or work out the route in advance, on your own.
Roman-Kosh coordinates: 44° 36′ 46″ N, 34° 14′ 32″ E
Mount Ai-Petri in Crimea
In first place in popularity in the Crimea - famous mountain Ai-Petri.
It is a natural adornment of the southern coast, gives rise to many rivers that feed the Crimea with water. Filled with spring waters, they rush through gorges and stone blockages, irrigating everything in their path, and then turn into beautiful and enchanting waterfalls of various sizes and beauty.
The decoration of Mount Ai-Petri are Ai-Petri teeth, which represent four sheer peaks 12-15 meters high, and take off a few peaks in the neighborhood. Just these stone pillars of an unusual appearance are the mountain peak of Ai-Petri.
Going to Ai-Petri, you are expected horse riding, camel riding, mountain biking, and even paragliding. The plateau offers a gorgeous panorama, no matter which way you look.
The real mesmerizing spectacle will be panorama South Shore Crimea. In good and clear weather you can see Gaspra, Foros, Blue Bay, Alupka and other villages along the coast. But more spectacular from these heights is considered watching the sunrise!
Mount Ai-Petri is very unique. This the windiest point of Crimea, and the maximum wind speed is registered here 50 km/h. The climate is extremely contrasting! The fluctuations in temperature just roll over! In January, it fluctuates from + 11 to -20, in February - from +11 to -26, in August - from +27 to -2. The highest and hottest air temperature recorded is +32, And if we talk about snow, snow here adorns the slopes of mountains and peaks until mid-March, although flowers are already blooming near the sea coast, buds are starting to bloom).
Ai-Petri in winter is a great opportunity to go skiing.
Here you can rent skis, you can rent a house and, in general, spend wonderful holiday in winter.
How to get to Mount Ai-Petri
You can climb the mountain either by highway from Yalta, or by cable car from Miskhor.
Following by car, along the highway from Yalta you will admire beautiful landscapes, worry about sharp turns and difficult places. But this path will give a lot beautiful photos, videos and breathtaking emotions and impressions. By car to Ai-Petri - an exciting journey!
The cable car will slowly lift you from Miskhor right on the plateau.
You will follow from the bottom up, and with bated breath you will admire the views ... Advice - try to arrive in Miskhor as early as possible, otherwise, the queue for the cable car can ruin all your plans.
Mount Ayu-Dag. Bear Mountain. Excursions and hikes.
Mount Ayu-Dag several generations of Soviet times are associated with a children's camp "Artek". And she is a kind of symbol of the Crimea and an unforgettable summer holiday for children near the Crimean coast. More than half a century has passed (1947), how the mountain was given the status of a natural monument. And all this time it attracts many tourists, researchers and simply admirers of the Crimean beauties.
The height of the mountain is small, and according to the world system, it rises above sea level by only 577 m. However, it is included in the list of relatively high mountains of Crimea, has its own beauty and history, and creates unique landscape. The mountain really resembles the body of a huge bear, located by the sea at a watering hole...
Interesting excursions and routes to the Bear Mountain will tell many stories and epics. They say that in ancient antiquity, when on the territory of the Crimea intersected trade routes, and shopping centers were located, the mountain was called Criumetopon, which translates as "Lamb's forehead." And many years later locals in this creation of nature they saw more of a bear than a ram. Since then, the mountain has been called Ayu-Dag.
Going on a hike along any route to Ayu-Dag, you will see many trails and clearings, stone cliffs and dense green Forest. It only seems from a distance that Ayu-Dag is overgrown with shrubs. In fact, the "bear skin" is nothing but a forest - dense and shady. Bear Mountain has a special flora and fauna, where, in addition to trees of various species and shrubs, an evergreen strawberry tree grows....
..... and a very rare species of fern-edge fern.
Mount Ayu-Dag is natural museum mineralogy. 18 minerals found in its thickness - the real pride of mineralogists. Paving stones on Red Square is a hard rock volcanic origin brought from the Crimea.
A huge, attractive mountain, it also has an impressive area of \u200b\u200bterritory. total area mountain cover - 5.4 ha- make her extraordinarily gorgeous in her surroundings sea waves, after all the mountain juts forward for a good 2.5 km with all its colossus in the sea, creating a cape, with an unusual edging of the coast. And for sailors, Ayu-Dag serves as an excellent landmark and a kind of beacon.
And it doesn't matter how you admire the mountain - from the Simferopol-Yalta highway, or from a boat on a boat trip. Or maybe you'll go to the highest mountain peak Crimea, from which you can see the unique landscape of the Ayu-Dag mountain between the sea and the sky.
Excursion to Ayu-Dag.
Mount Ayu-Dag is a mass of impressions and emotions that will remain from the sights of history and archeology, geological sights and the chic lush nature of the subtropical zone with representatives of the Mediterranean nature.
A walk with a very diverse landscape is ahead: forest roads, glades and a loose path along a steep rocky slope. You will have a long climb several hundred meters up, and only at the highest point of the trail will the flat top of the Bear Mountain open.
The path starts in the village of Partenit, from the territory of the former sanatorium "Crimea" from its upper gate.
Behind the gates is an asphalt road, along which you have to walk for about twenty minutes. After passing this distance, there will be a side road to the left, very soon it will turn into a dirt road, and we can say that the ascent has begun. Very soon you will see a huge rocky wall with climbing trees, and after 5-7 minutes - a clearing and a scree of local soils, including stones of a greenish-gray color are gabbrodiabase.
The dirt road we were walking on turns into a path - this is trail named after N.N. Raevsky, once the owner of Partenit. It is worth paying attention to how the path polished by the shoes of tourists shines in the rays of the sun, rising up.
From all sides, a panorama of layers opens up, cut into the slopes of the mountain, these layers either lie down or break off.
And the higher you go up, the more the curtain opens on the panorama - you can already see parks and sanatorium buildings of health resorts, Aivazovsky's boarding house, Cape Plaka and the boundless sea.
The Partenitskaya valley is beautiful in a miniature image, and everything around - unrealistically delights and captures - the Crimea and its mountains are so beautiful and amazing!
Travel Tips:
- 1) A pass to the protected area of the Ayu-Dag mountain can be taken at the address: Alushta, per. Factory, 10.
- 2) Medium-heavy path, so only comfortable sports shoes.
- 3) Eggplant with water
- 4) Glasses, a cap, a light jacket - according to the weather.
Mount Koshka in Crimea
natural decoration and worthy representative the list of Crimean mountains is Mount Cat. The best view of the mountain is from the side of the village Simeiz, which is 15 km from Yalta.
Interestingly, the general view of the mountain is really resembles a giant cat frozen in a "low" start position before jumping. But the name Cat has completely different roots: the name of the mountain in Tatar "Kosh-Kaya", which means - steam rock. But the consonant name with the Russian word "cat" is firmly entrenched behind the mountain.
Mount Cat rises above sea level to a height of 250 meters and is of great interest to tourists. In ancient times, they lived on it brands, and she was sacred place Archaeological excavations speak of this. On the mountain there are remains of fortress walls with a total length of about 100 m, and they are credited with dates of construction - the second half of the 1st millennium BC ... And today "Cat" - beautiful place, represented interspersed with stone chaos and relic trees, 10 species of which replenish the lists of valuable species from Red Book - Crimean pine, high juniper, strawberry tree, rockrose. Fumana grows here - a unique and interesting creeping plant with yellow flowers, which has a habitat among all CIS countries only on Mount Koshka.
You can walk to Mount Cats on your own, you can go with guides. The path to the top is a narrow path through bushes and stone ledges, which serve as a support when lifting. It is better to organize a walk in dry time, without rains and heavy fogs, because only in this case the trail is safe and accessible.
The body of the Cat - pointed peaks and natural stone turrets, and only The “back” of the beast is a flat plateau. On the sides of the mountain is very steep, and gradually collapses.
Limestone deposits are susceptible to weathering, and the road that goes around the rock is periodically cleared of debris and minor landslides.
Needless to say, the beauty around is indescribable, and therefore, every year numerous crowds of tourists and travelers admire the mountains and rocks of Crimea.
Where to relax in the mountains of Crimea
The mountains of Crimea are not only the southern coast of the peninsula. Bakhchisaray mountain range, Chatyr-Dag mountain range, - bright representatives of the Crimean mountains with their own history, excavations, and each mountain - with its secrets and legends. The mountains of the Eastern Crimea are no less beautiful. tent camps, cottage settlements in the Crimean mountains, recreation centers in the mountains and on the plateau, and simply tourist routes in the Crimean mountains.
In our article, we talked about the most famous and popular mountains, tops. They indicated their names, routes and how best to get to a particular mountain. And if the feeling of a “winner” does not leave you, and the desire to become a discoverer of one of the peaks of the Crimean mountains, go to the mountains without hesitation. Once, having climbed the Crimean mountains, you will fall in love with them forever. Checked!
Mountain ranges of Crimea - unique creation nature, the heritage of the peninsula and its main wealth. Walking on the peaks will be an excellent option for spending a summer vacation.
The Crimean peninsula is a paradise for tourists who prefer active mountain life to passive spending time on the beach. Peaks and plateaus, rocks, ridges attract lovers of mountaineering and walks in places unspoiled by human activity. The Crimean mountains are located in three ridges - External, Internal and Main.
Mountain Crimea
The main ridge of the Crimean Mountains separates the northern part of the peninsula from the southern. Its length is more than 100 kilometers, and the highest point is Mount Roman-Kosh - it rises to 1545 meters above sea level.
Peaks Main Ridge do not grow. More precisely, they rise by 3-4 m per year, but due to natural influence precipitation and winds, the process does not develop and is completely invisible.
The outcast mountains that had slid down a long time ago formed new massifs. The most famous of them are Mount Cat, Paragilmen, Ai-Nikola. Chaos have “grown” on their steep slopes, some of which have even been awarded the title of attraction.
Mount Bakatash
On the way from Sudak to Simferopol, you can see the amazing Bakatash peak. It is located near the village Dachnoe. The name "Bakatash", which in translation from the Crimean Tatar means "Frog", she received for her resemblance to an amphibian. Such a bizarre shape was given to it by the forces of nature - due to the constant centuries-old weathering, the rocks changed their shape.
The mountain is notable for the fact that at some distance from it the array ceases to resemble a toad, its outlines are more like girlish forms.
Panea rock
Simeiz has its own mountain attraction. This is the rock of Panea - amazing creation nature, connecting with the Black Sea. She rises 70 meters above him.
Archaeological excavations that were carried out on the rock proved that a monastery with a temple was located here for a very long time, and dwellings for parishioners were also built. Elements of items made of Taurian ceramics were found, which gives grounds to assert that it was the Taurians who previously lived on Panea.
From the top of the cliff offers a wonderful view of the sea surface. You can get here along the northern and northeastern slopes.
Mount Ayu-Dag
There are legends about the Bear Mountain, next to Partenit. This is one of the most famous sights of the whole Crimea. Scientists have proven that it is a volcano, the lava of which could not come out and froze, forming a magma dome. Laccolith is shaped like a huge bear that decided to get drunk on the waters of the Black Sea. Its “body” is covered with dense vegetation, and from the top it opens incredibly beautiful panorama small coves.
Today Ayu-Dag is a landscape reserve, a monument of Crimean nature.
Date Rock
Date Rock got its name because of the proximity of the two peaks, which are located side by side. One of the above is called Kuracha-Kai - a rock-boy. The other one is smaller, it is called Deki-Kuracha - rock-girl. They have been standing side by side for many centuries, as if they met on purpose here, away from prying eyes, in the bosom of picturesque nature.
Another less romantic name for the rock is Camel.
The mountain ranges of Crimea are a unique creation of nature, the heritage of the peninsula and its main wealth.
Mountains of Crimea
Three ridges of the limestone mountain range in the south and southeast Crimean peninsula need no introduction. The local mountain trails have been traveled far and wide by more than one generation of tourists, the caves have been explored by speleologists, the slopes have been traveled by snowboarders and skiers... The Crimean Mountains are a legendary place.
Researchers have relatively accurately deciphered the ancient chronicle of the geological history of the Crimean Mountains, starting from the Triassic period.
In the place of future mountains there was a bottom ancient sea Tethys s volcanic activity bottom, and in the deflection of the earth's crust, a thickness of sedimentary rocks gradually accumulated. About 200 million years ago, the sea receded. The crumpled Tauride platform became the basis for the predominantly sedimentary limestone Crimean Mountains. Then, in the Middle Jurassic period, magma became more active under the earth's crust (some of the volcanoes were still under water, others formed islands, and still others were part of a mountain range). Where magma did not reach the surface of the earth's crust, it solidified in the form of whole massifs of igneous rocks. In the Cretaceous period, due to the lowering of the Scythian platform, the sea again covered the territory of Crimea. At the same time, the process of arched uplift of the mountainous Crimea began. The formation of the Crimean Mountains, belonging to the zone of Alpine folding, continues in the modern era.
Elongated from the southwest to the northeast, a mountain range about 180 km long and up to 50 km wide stretches from the vicinity of Balaklava to Feodosia (if we take into account geological structure, then the western end of the first ridge should be considered Cape Fiolent). From a bird's eye view (as well as from space and on physical map) the three ridges that make it up are clearly visible, separated by longitudinal valleys: Main (South), Inner and Outer.
The outer ridge, which is a cuesta, smoothly rises from the plain in the north to flat-topped hills 149-350 m high (the most high place at Bakhchisarai); the ridge ends in the area of the city Old Crimea. The inner ridge, originating from Sapun Mountain near Sevastopol and also ending near Stary Krym, consists of several massifs: Mangup in the west, Ak-Kaya in the east, and others. Its highest massif, Tora-Kubala, reaches 766 m. And finally, The main ridge is the most ancient and the most elevated part of the peninsula, stretching to the Bolshoy Agarmysh massif, which was practically destroyed due to stone mining. The massifs of the Main Ridge have plateau-like peaks called yayls (a Turkic word for "summer pasture"). Each yaila has its own name: Ai-Petrinskaya, Yalta, Nikitskaya, Dolgorukovskaya, Babugan-yaila, Karabi-yaila, etc. highest point located in the Babugan-yayla massif - this is Mount Roman-Kosh (1545 m above sea level; although for a long time the western peak of Chatyrdag - Eklizi-Bu-run 1527 m high) was mistakenly considered the highest on the territory of the oldest and largest state Crimean natural reserve - heir to the Imperial Hunting Reserve (since 1913). On the territory of the mountainous Crimea there is also the Yalta mountain-forest and Karadag nature reserves and the coastal-aquatic complex of Cape Martyan on the southern coast. Together they occupy 43.8% of the entire protected area of Crimea, forming the basis of the natural reserve fund of the peninsula. There is something to protect on the territory of the mountainous Crimea: about 120 nature protection objects are officially registered here. Not to mention the cultural and historical monuments, reminiscent of the ancient, complex, "multilayered" history of the peninsula, where so many tribes and peoples have replaced each other...
The mountains of Crimea have gentle northern slopes covered with dense forests, and in the south they break off steeply towards the Black Sea, creating sheer walls up to 500 m high. on the peaks to the state of plateau-yayla, and along the slopes they are cut by gorges and riverbeds, for the most part drying up in summer.
MOUNTAINS AND PEOPLE
The Crimean mountains are not particularly high, but picturesque and attractive mountain paths, did not climb into karst caves, did not inhale the smell of healing herbs and needles ...
Crimea can be safely called one of the cradles of human civilization. The pre-written history of the settlement of the Crimean mountains dates back to the Middle Paleolithic, which is witnessed by the oldest in the Crimea: traces of Neanderthal habitation in the Kiik-Koba cave (east of Simferopol) 100 thousand years old, the site of the late Cro-Magnons of the Mesolithic Murzak-Koba in one of the caves of the mountainous Crimea etc. ancient name The Tauride Mountains preserved the memory of the Taurians - local highlanders mentioned in ancient written sources from the 6th century. BC e. to the 1st century n. e. (later mixed with the Scythians). The Taurians were carriers of the Kizil-Koba culture bronze age, related to the Belozersky (Ukraine, Moldova) and Koban (Caucasus) cultures. Taurus appeared in the mountainous and foothill regions of Crimea in the 9th-6th centuries. BC e. Before them, the Cimmerians lived here (from the 12th century BC), whom the Greek colonists no longer found. A detailed enumeration of the ethnic groups that succeeded each other in Crimea throughout its history would take too much time: Scythians, Greeks, Romans, Goths, Huns, Genoese, Ottoman Turks, Crimean Tatars, Cossacks, Russians, Ukrainians... Therefore Crimea is so striking in the richness and variety of historical objects, including ancient tombs-dolmens, and cave cities, and the ruins of fortresses ...
Russian history begins with the annexation of Crimea in 1783. In 1787, new Russian lands Empress Catherine II paid a visit. True, the Port tried in the next Russian-Turkish war (1787-1791) to recapture the lost lands, but to no avail.
The discovery of Crimea as a magnificent resort area occurred in the 19th century, and not only the balneological direction was developing on the coast of the southern coast of Crimea, but also mountain tourism. Since then, the entire Crimea has been traveled far and wide. Before the revolution of 1917, Yalta was a favorite royal residence; members of the imperial family loved to take long walks, breathing in the healing mountain-sea air. In the spring, the entire beau monde rushed to the resort that had become fashionable after their emperor. Later, in Soviet and post-Soviet times, general secretaries and presidents fell in love with Crimea, and the peninsula, respectively, turned into an all-Union (now All-Russian) health resort. Nowadays, a lot of money is being invested in the development of Crimean tourism for a number of reasons, and the resort is experiencing a new peak in popularity.
The variety of the relief of the Crimean mountains, including steep ascents and descents, windbreaks, canyons and plateaus, many landscape and historical monuments, marked trails, easy transport accessibility, mild healthy climate - all this brought Crimea a well-deserved fame. Mountain Crimea is good for both beginners and experienced tourists. Unlike the Caucasus, here you can safely get off from almost any point of the route and be sure that settlements are within daytime reach. There are all conditions for development here. hiking, and mountaineering, rock climbing and speleology (as a result of karst processes in the limestone layers of the Crimean mountains, at least 800 karst caves, mines and wells). As well as cycling tourism, aeronautics (glider and hang glider pilots have their own places of worship, where they return from year to year), jeep safari, automobile, archaeological and other types of active, extreme and educational tourism; in winter - for snowboarding and skiing skiing. by the most interesting places For winter holiday in the mountainous Crimea are considered the Angarsk Pass, the vicinity of the Marble Cave and Mount Ai-Petri.
CURIOUS FACTS
In one of the caves of the mountainous Crimea, the Murzak-Koba site of the Mesolithic times is located. The Cro-Magnons who inhabited the grotto were tall, up to 180 cm, massive, broad-faced. They were mainly engaged in fishing with the help of bone harpoons, eating snails and mollusks. One of the features of the culture was the lifetime amputation of the little fingers.
In June 1941, children had just moved into Artek when the war began. This shift turned out to be the longest in the history of the camp (it lasted 3.5 years). Two hundred children from the western regions and republics occupied by the Nazis, together with counselors, a doctor and the head of the camp, were evacuated to the rear and continued to live according to Artek laws already in Altai resort village Belokurikha. And Artek itself was occupied. By the time of liberation on April 15, 1944, the camp lay in ruins, but after three months it was ready to receive another shift of 500 Crimean children.
most deep cave in the Crimea is the Soldatskaya mine on Karabi-yayla (depth - 508 m). The longest Crimean cave- Kyzylkoba (Red) near the village of Perevalnoye, the length of its passages is more than 17 km. Marble Cave is one of the five most beautiful caves on the planet, it is one of the most visited excursion objects Crimea.
In recent years, another direction has been actively developing in Crimea - the so-called esoteric tourism. People come to the Crimean "places of power" to feed on positive energy, find inner harmony - as they say, "correct the aura." It is believed that most of these "places of power" near Sevastopol, in the Bakhchisarai region and on the South Bank; such places include all the Crimean cave cities, Skelsky menhirs, the Marble and Emine-Bair-Khosar caves, the mountains of Karadag, Ayu-Dag and Chatyrdag, the Valley of Ghosts and stone mushrooms in the Alushta region.
The mountain pass Shaitan-Merdven (Devil's Stairs) runs along the border of the Main Range of the Crimean Mountains, between Marcheka (986 m above sea level) and Kilse-Burun (856 m). The bottom of this steep gorge seems to be lined with giant steps. It really resembles in some areas a dilapidated gigantic staircase. Following the well-known archaeologist N. I. Repnikov, who described “the ascent to the Yayla plateau with artificially cut steps”, many researchers and travelers of the past were convinced that the “ladder” was cut down by the ancient Taurus.
ATTRACTIONS
Natural:
Mountains: Ai-Petri, Roman-Kosh, Chatyrdag, Kara-Tau, Demerdzhi.
Plateau: Demerdzhi-yayla (Sultandag), Gurzuf (Balaban-Kaya) yayla, Karabi-yayla, etc.
Valley of Ghosts - picturesque tract on western slope South Demerdzhi mountains (600-1200 m), where in conglomerates there are dozens of fantastic figures (“ghosts”) formed under the influence of the sun, wind, water and frost.
Reserves: State Natural Crimean Reserve, Yalta Mountain Forest and Karadag Nature Reserves, Cape Martyan Reserve on the South Coast, Reserve " grand canyon Crimea" in the depths of the northern slope of the Ai-Petrinsky massif.
Cultural-historical Medieval cave towns-fortresses and monasteries:
Mangup-Kale on a plateau with an area of 90 hectares on top of a remnant mountain in the Bakhchisarai region. It was the capital of the Orthodox Principality of Theodoro, then a Turkish fortress. Numerous springs are located nearby.
Kachi-Kalyon at five natural grottoes 8 km south of Bakhchisarai. The citadel arose in the VI century. The main shrine is the rock church of St. Sophia of the VIII-IX centuries. In total, there are about 150 rooms for various purposes, interconnected by terraces and stairs (wooden details have not been preserved).
Eski-Kermen and to the west - the entrance Maiden's Tower with a gate (the remains of the fortified castle of Kyz-Kule - Maiden's Tower, X-XI centuries).
Chufutkale (originated in the 5th-6th centuries as a fortified settlement on the border of Byzantine possessions).
Tepe-Kermen to the south-west of Bakhchisarai, archaeological site of the 6th-14th centuries.
Medieval Syuyren fortress in the Belbek valley.
Dormition Christian cave monastery VIII - early IX century. - one of the oldest in the Crimea. Presumably, it was founded by monks from Byzantium who fled from the persecution of the iconoclasts (after the church council of 754). From the 15th century was the center of Orthodoxy in the Crimea.
Temple of Donators - a small remote cave church on the Eski-Kermen massif, painted with frescoes from the inside. Probably a refuge for monks, based on a donation from the princely family - donors.
Chelter-Koba and Chelter-Marmara are cave monasteries.
medieval fortress Funa (Greek "Smoky") on a rocky hill at the foot of Mount Demerdzhi in the Crimea.
The Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai (XVI century) is the former residence of the Crimean khans.
Ropeway Miskhor - Ai-Petri.
The length of the mountain range: 180 km.
The width of the mountain range: 40-50 km.
The height of the Main Range: up to 1545 m above sea level. m. (Roman-Kosh, Babugan-yayla, main ridge).
Height of the Inner Ridge: up to 766 m above sea level. m.
Height of the Outer Ridge: up to 350 m above sea level. m.
Total area of the Main Range: 1565 km2.
The length of the southern coast of Crimea: length - approx. 150 km, width - from 2 to 8 km.
Number of conservation sites: approx. 120.
Atlas. The whole world is in your hands №263
Mountains of Crimea photo
The Crimean mountains have gentle northern slopes covered with dense forests, and in the south they abruptly break off towards the Black Sea, creating sheer walls up to 500 m high. on the tops to the state of plateau-yaila, and along the slopes they are cut by gorges and riverbeds, mostly drying up in summer.
LIFE OF THE TAURICA MOUNTAINS
Researchers have relatively accurately deciphered the ancient chronicle of the geological history of the Crimean Mountains, starting from the Triassic period.
In the Paleozoic, on the site of future mountains, there was the bottom of the ancient Tethys Sea with volcanic activity of the bottom, and a thickness of sedimentary rocks gradually accumulated in the trough of the earth's crust. About 200 million years ago, the sea receded. The crumpled Tauride platform became the basis for the predominantly sedimentary limestone Crimean Mountains. Then, in the Middle Jurassic period, magma became more active under the earth's crust (some of the volcanoes were still under water, others formed islands, and still others were part of a mountain range). Where magma did not reach the surface of the earth's crust, it solidified in the form of whole massifs of igneous rocks. In the Cretaceous period, due to the lowering of the Scythian platform, the sea again covered the territory of Crimea. At the same time, the process of arched uplift of the mountainous Crimea began. The formation of the Crimean Mountains, belonging to the zone of Alpine folding, continues in the modern era.
Elongated from southwest to northeast, a mountain range about 180 km long and up to 50 km wide stretches from the vicinity of Balaklava to Feodosia (if we take into account the geological structure, Cape Fiolent should be considered the western end of the first ridge). From a bird's eye view (as well as from space and on a physical map), the three ridges that make up it are clearly visible, separated by longitudinal valleys: Main (South), Inner and Outer.
The outer ridge, which is a cuesta, smoothly rises from the plain in the north to flat-topped hills 149-350 m high (the highest place is near Bakhchisarai); the ridge ends in the area of the city of Stary Krym. The inner ridge, originating from Sapun Mountain near Sevastopol and also ending near Stary Krym, consists of several massifs: Mangup in the west, Ak-Kaya in the east, and others. Its highest massif, Tora-Kubala, reaches 766 m. And finally, The main ridge is the oldest and most elevated part of the peninsula, stretching to the Bolshoy Agarmish massif, which has almost been destroyed, and has plateau-like peaks called yayls (a Turkic word meaning "summer pasture"). Each yaila has its own name: Ai-Petrinskaya, Yalta, Nikitskaya, Dolgorukovskaya, Babugan-yaila, Karabi-yaila, etc. for a long time, the western peak of Chatyrdag - Eklizi-Bu-run (1527 m high) was mistakenly considered the highest on the territory of the oldest and largest state Crimean nature reserve - the heir to the Imperial Hunting Reserve (since 1913). On the territory of the mountainous Crimea there is also the Yalta mountain-forest and Karadag nature reserves and the coastal-aquatic complex of Cape Martyan on the South Coast. Together they occupy 43.8% of the entire protected area of Crimea, forming the basis of the natural reserve fund of the peninsula. There is something to protect on the territory of the mountainous Crimea: about 120 nature protection objects are officially registered here. Not to mention the cultural and historical monuments, reminiscent of the ancient, complex, "multilayered" history of the peninsula, where so many tribes and peoples have replaced each other...
MOUNTAINS AND PEOPLE
The Crimean mountains are not particularly high, but picturesque and attractive. Since the time of the “all-Union health resort”, this place has been enveloped in a veil of nostalgia and admiration: only the lazy did not wander in their youth with a backpack along the Crimean mountain paths, did not climb into karst caves, did not inhale the smell of healing herbs and pine needles ...
Crimea can be safely called one of the cradles of human civilization. The pre-written history of the settlement of the Crimean mountains dates back to the Middle Paleolithic, which is witnessed by the oldest in the Crimea: traces of Neanderthal habitation in the Kiik-Ko-ba cave (east of Simferopol) 100 thousand years old, the site of the late Cro-Magnons of the Mesolithic Murzak-Koba in one of the caves mountain Crimea, etc. The ancient name of the Tauride Mountains has preserved the memory of the Tauris - local highlanders mentioned in ancient written sources from the 6th century BC. BC e. to the 1st century n. e. (later mixed with the Scythians). The Taurians were carriers of the Kizil-Koba culture of the Bronze Age, related to the Belozersk (Moldavia) and Koban (Caucasus) cultures. Tauri appeared in the mountainous and foothill regions of Crimea in the 9th-6th centuries. BC e. Before them, the Cimmerians lived here (from the 12th century BC), whom the Greek colonists no longer found. A detailed enumeration of the ethnic groups that succeeded each other in Crimea throughout its history would take too much time: Scythians, Greeks, Romans, Goths, Huns, Genoese, Ottoman Turks, Crimean Tatars, Cossacks, Russians, Ukrainians... Therefore Crimea is so striking in the richness and variety of historical sites, including ancient tombs-dolmens, and cave cities, and the ruins of fortresses...
Russian history begins with the annexation of Crimea in 1783. In 1787, Empress Catherine II paid a visit to the new Russian lands. True, the Port tried in the next Russian-Turkish war (1787-1791) to recapture the lost lands, but to no avail.
The discovery of Crimea as a magnificent resort area occurred in the 19th century, and not only the balneological direction on the coast of the southern coast of Crimea, but also mountain tourism developed. Since then, the entire Crimea has been traveled far and wide. Before the revolution of 1917, Yalta was a favorite royal residence; members of the imperial family loved to take long walks, breathing in the healing mountain-sea air. In the spring, the entire beau monde rushed to the resort that had become fashionable after their emperor. Later, in Soviet and post-Soviet times, general secretaries and presidents fell in love with Crimea, and the peninsula, respectively, turned into an all-Union (now All-Russian) health resort. Nowadays, a lot of money is being invested in the development of Crimean tourism for a number of reasons, and the resort is experiencing a new peak in popularity.
A variety of terrain, including steep ascents and descents, windbreaks, canyons and plateaus, many landscape and historical monuments, marked trails, easy transport accessibility, mild healthy climate - all this brought Crimea a well-deserved fame. Mountain Crimea is good for both beginners and experienced tourists. Unlike the Caucasus, here you can safely get off from almost any point of the route and be sure that settlements are within daytime reach. There are all conditions for the development of both hiking and mountaineering, rock climbing and speleology (as a result of karst processes in the limestone layers of the Crimean Mountains, at least 800 karst caves, mines and wells were formed). As well as cycling tourism, aeronautics (glider and hang glider pilots have their own places of worship, where they return from year to year), jeep safari, automobile, archaeological and other types of active, extreme and educational tourism; in winter - for snowboarding and skiing. The most interesting places for winter recreation in the mountainous Crimea are the Angarsk Pass, the vicinity of the Marble Cave and Mount Ai-Petri.
ATTRACTIONS
Natural:
■ Mountains: Ai-Petri, Roman-Kosh, Chatyrdag, Kara-Tau, Demerdzhi.
■ Plateau: Demerdzhi-yayla (Sultandag), Gurzuf (Balaban-Kaya) yayla, Karabi-yayla, etc.
■ The Valley of Ghosts is a picturesque tract on the western slope of Mount South Demerdzhi (600-1200 m), where conglomerates contain dozens of fantastic figures (“ghosts”) formed under the influence of the sun, wind, water and frost.
■ Reserves: Crimean State Natural Reserve, Yalta Mountain Forest and Karadag Nature Reserves, Cape Martyan Nature Reserve on the South Coast, Grand Canyon of Crimea Reserve deep in the northern slope of the Ai-Petri massif.
Cultural-historical Medieval cave towns-fortresses and monasteries:
■ Mangup-Kale on a 90-hectare plateau at the top of a remnant mountain in the Bakhchisarai region. It was the capital of the Orthodox Principality of Theodoro, then a Turkish fortress. Numerous springs are located nearby.
■ Kachi-Kalyon in five natural grottoes 8 km south of Bakhchisaray. The citadel arose in the VI century. The main shrine is the rock church of St. Sophia of the 8th-9th centuries. In total, there are about 150 rooms for various purposes, interconnected by terraces and stairs (wooden details have not been preserved).
■ Eski-Kermen and to the west - the entrance Maiden's Tower with a gate (the remains of the fortified castle of Kyz-Kule - the Maiden's Tower, X-XI centuries).
■ Chufutkale (originated in the 5th-6th centuries as a fortified settlement on the border of Byzantine possessions).
■ Tepe-Kermen to the south-west of Bakhchisarai, an archaeological site of the 6th-14th centuries.
■ Medieval Syuyren fortress in the Belbek valley.
■ Assumption Christian cave monastery of the 8th - early 9th centuries. - one of the oldest in the Crimea. Presumably, it was founded by monks from Byzantium who fled from the persecution of the iconoclasts (after the church council of 754). From the 15th century was the center of Orthodoxy in the Crimea.
■ Temple of Donators - a small remote cave church on the Eski-Kermen massif, painted with frescoes from the inside. Probably the refuge of the monks, based on the donation of the princely family - donors.
■ Chelter-Koba and Chelter-Marmara - cave monasteries.
■ The medieval fortress of Funa (Greek: "Smoky") on a rocky hill at the foot of Mount Demerdzhi in the Crimea.
Other:
■ Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai (XVI century) - the former residence of the Crimean khans.
■ Ropeway Miskhor - Ai-Petri.
■ In one of the caves of the mountainous Crimea there is a site Murzak-Koba of the Mesolithic times. The Cro-Magnons who inhabited the grotto were tall, up to 180 cm, massive, broad-faced. They were mainly engaged in fishing with the help of bone harpoons, eating snails and mollusks. One of the features of the culture was the lifetime amputation of the little fingers.
■ In 1966, 1,200 pioneers of the Artek camp made a simultaneous ascent of Roman-Kosh. They erected a bust of Lenin at the top.
■ In June 1941, children had just moved into Artek when the war began. This shift turned out to be the longest in the history of the camp (it lasted 3.5 years). Two hundred children from the western regions and republics occupied by the Nazis, together with counselors, a doctor and the head of the camp, were evacuated to the rear and continued to live according to Artek laws already in the Altai resort village of Belokurikha. And Artek itself was occupied. By the time of liberation in April 1944, the camp lay in ruins, but after three months it was ready to receive another shift of 500 Crimean children.
■ The deepest cave in the Crimea is the Soldatskaya mine on Karabiyail (depth - 508 m). The longest Crimean cave is Kyzylkoba (Red) near the village of Perevalnoye, the length of its passages is more than 17 km. Marble Cave is one of the five most beautiful caves on the planet, it is one of the most visited sightseeing objects of the Crimea.
■ In recent years, another direction has been actively developing in Crimea - the so-called esoteric tourism. People come to the Crimean "places of power" to feed on positive energy, find inner harmony - as they say, "correct the aura." It is believed that most of these "places of power" near Sevastopol, in the Bakhchisarai region and on the South Bank; such places include all the Crimean cave cities, Skelsky menhirs, the Marble and Emine-Bair-Khosar caves, the mountains of Karadag, Ayu-Dag and Chatyrdag, the Valley of Ghosts and stone mushrooms in the Alushta region.
■ The mountain pass Shaitan-Merdven (Devil's Staircase) runs along the border of the Main Ridge of the Crimean Mountains, between the town of Marcheka (986 m above sea level) and Kilse-Burun (856 m). The bottom of this steep gorge seems to be lined with giant steps. It really resembles in some areas a dilapidated gigantic staircase. Following the well-known archaeologist N. I. Repnikov, who described “the ascent to the Yayla plateau with artificially cut steps”, many researchers and travelers of the past were convinced that the “ladder” was cut down by the ancient Taurus.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: mountain range in the south and southeast of the Crimean peninsula. Administrative affiliation: Autonomous Republic Crimea.
Orogeny: part of the Alpine folded geosynclinal region.
Geological composition: predominantly limestone, interspersed with igneous rocks.
Rivers: the most significant rivers in terms of length and water content are on the northwestern slopes of the Main Range of the Crimean Mountains, flowing into the Black Sea: Chernaya (Chorgun) - 34.1 km, Belbek - 63 km, Kokkozka - 18 km (flows in a narrow gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Crimea), Kacha - 69 km, Marta - 21 km, Alma - 84 km, etc.
Ethnic composition: Ukrainians, Russians, Crimean Tatars.
Languages: Russian, Tatar (official).
Religions: Orthodoxy, Islam.
NUMBERS
The length of the mountain range: 180 km.
The width of the mountain range: 40-50 km.
The height of the Main Range: up to 1545 m above sea level. m. (Roman-Kosh, Babugan-yayla, Main Ridge).
Height of the Inner Ridge: up to 766 m above sea level. m.
Height of the Outer Ridge: up to 350 m above sea level. m.
Total area of the Main Range: 1565 km2.
The length of the southern coast of Crimea: length - approx. 150 km, width - from 2 to 8 km.
Number of conservation sites: approx. 120.
CLIMATE
Mediterranean. In the mountains, there is a moderately cold and humid climate of deciduous forests. Each slope of the Crimean mountains has its own climatic conditions, as it is influenced by different prevailing winds.
Fog is frequent throughout the year. In winter, the weather is unstable, the slopes of such massifs as Ai-Petri, Babugan, Chatyrdaghi Demerdzhi are avalanche-prone. Summers are usually hot and dry.
average temperature January: -1°С (fluctuations from -10 to +10°С).
Average July temperature: +10°С.
Average rainfall: 1000 - 1200 mm per year.
The most comfortable time for mountain hikes and walks is from mid-April to early July or from early September to late October.
ECONOMY
The main branches of the local economy are healthcare and tourism.
Industry: mining, pharmaceutical (harvesting of medicinal herbs), food (including winemaking), tobacco, light industry.
Agriculture: viticulture, tobacco growing, horticulture, animal husbandry, etc.
Services: sports, sightseeing and health tourism, hotel business.
